I’ve dreamt of these moments – Cash

Matty Cash is hoping to realise a Champions League dream as Aston Villa prepare to face Bologna on Tuesday night.

The right-back sustained injury early on this season and subsequently missed our opening 3-0 triumph over BSC Young Boys in Switzerland.

Having been sidelined for five weeks, Cash made his return to Villa’s matchday squad as an unused substitute for the 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich on matchday two.

He has since played every minute of our Premier League matches against Manchester United and Fulham.

And Cash, facing the media in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, has spoken of his childhood ambitions as he looks to make his debut in the Champions League.

“As a young boy, every boy’s dream is to play at the highest level in football,” he said.

“I’ve worked incredibly hard to get here.

“Had a spell at the World Cup, which is a major tournament and was amazing.

“I made my Premier League debut four years ago, and now the Champions League.

“I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve dreamt of these moments as a young boy and so hopefully it comes.”

Heading into matchday three, Villa stand on a maximum six points following their opening two matches of the competition.

Bologna kicked off their campaign with a goalless draw at home to Shakhtar Donetsk before falling to a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.

The Italian side are currently 13^th in Serie A having enjoyed an impressive fifth-placed finish last season, and have drawn seven of their 10 matches in all competitions this term.

And Cash is expecting a tough test on Tuesday night.

“They’re a really good side, last season they had an amazing season and got into the Champions League,” he added.

“They’ve had a draw and a loss against Liverpool.

“We know they’re a quality team, every team we come up against in the Champions League are a good side.            

“We have to respect them and we’re obviously looking forward to the challenge.”

Cash, having been among the substitutes, experienced a memorable atmosphere at Villa Park for the meeting against Bayern last time out.

And he feels every Champions League matchday at Villa Park will be special.

“I think it will be loud (tomorrow), the first one against Bayern was incredible,” said Cash.

“I was sat on the bench and it was so loud, I couldn’t even hear myself talk.

“I think every game this year in the Champions League at home is going to be an amazing atmosphere.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I haven’t made my Champions League debut yet, hopefully it comes tomorrow.”